Lexi Webster
In Australia, the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) is a ranking system used by universities to assess applicants' positions compared to other students in their age group. It is a number between 0 and 99.95 that dictates which university courses students can get into. While a high ATAR can open doors to competitive courses and universities, it is not the only factor that determines university admission. Universities consider extracurricular activities, jobs, leadership positions, and other non-academic pursuits. Students who don't achieve a high ATAR can still pursue higher education through other pathways, such as gap years, specialised tertiary preparation programs, and work experience. This article will explore what constitutes a good ATAR in Australia and discuss the various pathways to higher education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ATAR Score Range | 0-99.95 |
| Good ATAR Score | 70-79 |
| Very Good ATAR Score | 80-89 |
| Excellent ATAR Score | 90-95+ |
| Top ATAR Score | 99.95 |
| Average ATAR Score | 70 |
| ATAR Score for Top Courses | 95-99 |
| ATAR Score for Competitive Courses | 55-97 |
| ATAR Score for Scholarships | 95+ |
| ATAR Score for Top Universities | 99+ |
| ATAR Score for Most Universities | 60+ |
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What You'll Learn
What does ATAR stand for?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It is a ranking given in increments of 0.05 between 0.00 and 99.95, which shows a student's relative position compared to all other students in the range of 16 to 20 years old who have completed their respective year 12 exams in that state in a year. The ATAR is calculated by each state or territory's own state-level Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) for all domestic students studying within their geographical limits. Interstate domestic students must apply to the TAC of their respective state.
The ATAR is the primary criterion for determining the Selection Rank (SR) for admission into undergraduate courses in Australian public universities. It is used by all Australian public universities and provides an indication of the overall position of the student in relation to the student body for that year across the state. A higher ATAR gives preference to that student for the course to which they wish to enrol in a university of their choice.
The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) is responsible for the calculation of students' ATARs in Western Australia. TISC derives an ATAR percentile from a student's Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA), which is calculated as a sum of the student's best four scaled subjects out of their Year 12 ATAR subjects over up to five consecutive years.
While a high ATAR is often seen as the only way to get into a good university, this is not necessarily the case. Universities consider far more than just a student's ATAR when they apply for a scholarship. Pursuing an ATAR of around 85-95 frees up a lot more time for students to pursue non-academic commitments, which can help them stand out when applying for scholarships and university courses. Additionally, there are many different pathways into degrees, such as starting out in the VET sector or reapplying once some work experience has been gained.
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How is an ATAR calculated?
An ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank, is a number between 0 and 99.95 that tells your position in your year group. It is based on overall HSC results and is designed to be a predictor of your first-year performance at university. An ATAR of 70, for example, means that you are in the top 30% of your year group.
ATARs are calculated by aggregating your highest scaled study score in one of the English studies (English, English Language, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Literature), highest scaled study scores for three additional permissible studies, and 10% of the scaled study scores for the fifth and sixth permissible studies. Students are then ranked in order of their aggregate and a percentage rank is assigned to distribute students as evenly as possible over a 100-point scale. The percentage rank is then converted to an ATAR score.
In New South Wales (NSW), the ATAR is calculated from 2 units of English plus the next best 8 units (to make 10 units in total). While eligibility for an ATAR requires completion of at least four subject areas, the aggregate may be based on fewer than four subjects. For example, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2, and one other 2-unit course.
In Victoria, ATARs are calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) when you complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). VTAC uses the VCE results issued by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to calculate ATAR scores. You must have completed at least four VCE studies in a recognised combination to have your ATAR calculated.
It is important to note that each state and territory in Australia does its own calculations slightly differently.
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What is considered a good ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system used by Australian universities to assess applicants' positions compared to others. It is a number between 0 and 99.95 that ranks a student's position relative to all students in their age group. An ATAR score does not reflect a percentage or a mark; it is a rank. For example, an ATAR of 70 means a student is in the top 30% of their age group.
Generally, an ATAR score above 80 is considered good, while a score above 90 is considered excellent. A score of 60 is respectable, while a score of 70 is good, and a score of 80 is very good. An ATAR in the 80s unlocks opportunities at some of Australia's more prestigious universities, while a score in the 90s puts students in a strong position to apply for a wide variety of courses at nearly any university, including competitive fields.
However, it's important to note that the significance of an ATAR score depends on the specific course and university chosen. For example, a Bachelor of Laws at Melbourne University has a minimum ATAR of 99.90, whereas the equivalent degree at UTS has a minimum ATAR of 86.05. Additionally, universities consider far more than just ATAR scores when evaluating applicants, such as non-academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, sports, leadership positions, and jobs.
Furthermore, there are many different pathways into university degrees, such as starting in the VET sector, reapplying after gaining work experience, or enrolling in tertiary preparation programs. Universities also offer early entry schemes and scholarships based on criteria other than just ATAR scores.
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What is a high ATAR useful for?
A high ATAR is useful for getting into university, as it is a nationally recognised measure used by many universities as the primary basis for admission. Each university sets a lowest rank to receive an offer for each course, and a high ATAR can help you get into your ideal university program. However, it's important to note that a high ATAR is not the only way to get into a university, and there are many other pathways to admission.
A high ATAR can also be beneficial for getting into competitive degree programs with high ATAR requirements, such as law or medicine. These popular and fiercely competitive courses often require a high ATAR, sometimes in the range of 95 to 99. However, it's worth mentioning that there are only a handful of universities with incredibly high ATAR cut-offs.
Additionally, a high ATAR can be advantageous for applying to scholarships, as universities consider various factors beyond just academic performance. Focusing on non-academic pursuits, such as extracurricular activities, sports, leadership roles, or part-time jobs, can help you stand out when applying for scholarships.
While a high ATAR is beneficial for university admission and certain degree programs, it is not the sole determining factor. Universities consider a range of factors, including adjustment factors such as performance in HSC subjects, school location, and eligibility for educational access schemes. It is also important to remember that a high ATAR does not define your potential or success in the long run.
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How important is an ATAR?
The importance of a high ATAR depends on the student's goals and priorities. While a high ATAR is often seen as the only way to get into university, it is important to remember that it is just one factor among many that universities consider during the admissions process. A high ATAR can indicate a student's academic performance and potential, but it does not reflect their overall capabilities, talents, or potential as a person.
ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is a ranking system used in Australia to indicate a student's position relative to their peers. It is a number between 0.00 and 99.95, with a higher number representing better performance. ATAR is calculated based on the student's scores in their Year 12 subjects, which can vary in scaling difficulty based on the specific subjects taken. This ranking provides universities with a quick way to determine a student's eligibility for their programs. However, it is worth noting that private universities, except for Bond University, do not primarily consider ATAR scores and require direct applications.
While a high ATAR can be beneficial for gaining admission into competitive courses or universities, it is not the only factor considered. Universities also look at other criteria, such as educational disadvantages or subject performance. Additionally, students with lower ATAR scores can still gain admission through alternative pathways, such as starting in the VET sector, gaining work experience, or applying for specialised tertiary preparation programs.
Pursuing a high ATAR can be time-consuming and may require sacrificing non-academic commitments. Students aiming for a high ATAR may need to focus solely on their academic pursuits, which can limit their opportunities for extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or part-time jobs. However, these non-academic pursuits can be advantageous when applying for scholarships, as universities consider a broader range of factors beyond just ATAR scores.
In conclusion, while a high ATAR can be important for gaining admission into certain universities or courses, it is not the only factor that determines a student's future prospects. Students should strive for a balanced approach, aiming for a good ATAR while also developing their interests and skills outside the academic realm. Ultimately, a student's success in university and employment will depend on a wide range of factors beyond their ATAR score.
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Frequently asked questions
ATAR stands for 'Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank'. It is a ranking system used by Australian universities to assess applicants' positions compared to others. An ATAR score is a number between 0 and 99.95 that ranks a student's position relative to all the students in their age group.
A score of 70 is quite good and gives you options to go to university and achieve a professional career. A score of 80 or higher is considered very good and will give you access to most degrees at almost any university in Australia. A score of 90-95+ is deemed excellent and will give you access to the vast majority or all of the courses in the country.
Your ATAR score depends on your 12th-grade results compared to other Australian students. Each state does its calculations slightly differently, but generally, you need to do at least one English subject and 4-5 additional subjects.
If you don't get the ATAR score you wanted, remember that there are many different pathways into degrees. Universities offer a range of specialised tertiary preparation programs, and you can also take a gap year or gain some work experience.
While there isn’t a set of subjects that can get you a higher ATAR score, it is recommended to choose the subjects that you genuinely enjoy studying so you can put in the required hard work with initiative. You can also refer to the requirements of your chosen programme, as they often have specific subject requirements.
